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Triple Pundit
2008-10-11T02:03:33Z
A new conversation for business.
tag:www.triplepundit.com,2008://6
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Copyright (c) 2008, Nick Aster
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Cost of Deforestation is Vastly Greater than that of the Current Financial Crisis
2008-10-11T02:03:33Z
2008-10-11T01:49:58Z
tag:www.triplepundit.com,2008://6.3601
2008-10-11T01:49:58Z
While your 401K smolders in ruins, take a gander at this BBC article and it might give you some perspective. Unfortunately, it's not immediately an optimistic perspective: We are actually losing more money through deforestation than through the current financial meltdown. The reasoning behind this is clear when we start calculating the often overlooked value of Natural Capital - resources provided by our environment including minerals, water, air, sunlight, heat, plants, animals, and other organic matter.
Looking at the costs of deforestation and other forms of resource depletion from a purely economic perspective may seem perverse to many environmentalists, but it may be the only way that these issues are ever going to get real attention from government, big business, and society at large. The study cited by the BBC comes from a Deutsche bank economist who states:
... whereas Wall Street by various calculations has to date lost, within the financial sector, $1-$1.5 trillion, the reality is that at today's rate we are losing natural capital at least between $2-$5 trillion every year (emphasis mine)
Bear in mind that's an annual cost... and it's just about forests.
Nick Aster
http://www.triplepundit.com/nick-aster
nospam@sorry.com
Numbers
naturalcapital
<p><img alt="deforestation.jpg" src="http://www.triplepundit.com/deforestation.jpg" width="130" height="98" class="left" />While your 401K smolders in ruins, <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7662565.stm">take a gander at this BBC article</a> and it might give you some perspective. Unfortunately, it's not immediately an optimistic perspective: <i>We are actually losing more money through deforestation than through the current financial meltdown</i>. The reasoning behind this is clear when we start calculating the often overlooked value of <a href="http://www.sustainabilitydictionary.com/n/natural_capital.php">Natural Capital</a> - resources provided by our environment including minerals, water, air, sunlight, heat, plants, animals, and other organic matter. </p>
<p>Looking at the costs of deforestation and other forms of resource depletion from a purely economic perspective may seem perverse to many environmentalists, but it may be the only way that these issues are ever going to get real attention from government, big business, and society at large. The study cited by the BBC comes from a Deutsche bank economist who states:</p>
<blockquote>... whereas Wall Street by various calculations has to date lost, within the financial sector, $1-$1.5 trillion, the reality is that at today's rate we are losing natural capital at least between $2-$5 trillion <strong>every year</strong> (emphasis mine) </blockquote>
<p>Bear in mind that's an <i>annual</i> cost... and it's just about forests.<br />
</p>
<p>Burning or bulldozing complex ecosystems such as tropical forests removes the benefits that those ecosystems provided for a short term gain - such as whatever price you can get for the lumber. But leaving an ecosystem more-or-less intact allows it to continue to provide "<a href="http://www.sustainabilitydictionary.com/e/ecosystem_services.php">ecosystem services</a>" such as clean air and water, plant pollination, climate regulation, soil regeneration, ozone protection, shade and shelter, etc. - all of which must be replaced by artificial means costing lots of money. If you want to get even more depressed, read the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stern_Review">Stern Review</a> which attempts (not without some criticism) to calculate the overall cost of climate change in general.</p>
<p>Now, the good news: The fact that calculations like this are being made means that economists, governments, and businesses are starting to listen. It also provides hard data that didn't exist in the past to make the case for land conservation, resource efficiency and a more proactive stance on environmental issues in general.</p>
<p>This is the essence of the Triple Bottom Line, and, I think, some good stuff to ponder for the weekend.<br />
</p>
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The ISSP: Professional Development for the Sustainability Practitioner
2008-10-10T20:05:30Z
2008-10-10T19:00:14Z
tag:www.triplepundit.com,2008://6.3598
2008-10-10T19:00:14Z
The green networking space is getting crowded. Countless online resources are available where green-minded professionals can connect and interact. But you know that a profession has truly arrived when bona fide professional associations arise to support and promote it. Several niche organizations have sprung up to serve professionals in specific areas like CSR or supply chain. Marsha Willard, the Executive Director of the International Society of Sustainability Professionals (ISSP), believes her organization goes beyond niche to address the entire profession:
While there are other organizations related to sustainability, they tend to be focused on geographic area, framework, philosophy or sector. None are truly professional societies dedicated to supporting the professional development of practitioners globally, across sectors and philosophies.
Jim Witkin
jim.witkin@presidiomba.org
interviews
ISSP,ZeroWasteAlliance,InternationalSocietyofSustainabilityProfessionals,AXISPerformanceAdvisors,Portland,MarshaWillard,SustainProConference,BobWillard
<p><img alt="issp_logo.png" src="http://www.triplepundit.com/issp_logo.png" width="181" height="65" class="right" />The green networking space is getting crowded. Countless online resources are available where green-minded professionals can connect and interact. But you know that a profession has truly arrived when bona fide professional associations arise to support and promote it. Several niche organizations have sprung up to serve professionals in specific areas like CSR or supply chain. Marsha Willard, the Executive Director of the International Society of Sustainability Professionals (<a href="http://sustainabilityprofessionals.org/">ISSP</a>), believes her organization goes beyond niche to address the entire profession: </p>
<blockquote>While there are other organizations related to sustainability, they tend to be focused on geographic area, framework, philosophy or sector. None are truly professional societies dedicated to supporting the professional development of practitioners globally, across sectors and philosophies.</blockquote>
<p><strong>Growing Fast</strong></p>
<p>ISSP is currently a project of the <a href="http://zerowaste.org/">Zero Waste Alliance</a> and was founded by the following people:</p>
<p>-Darcy Hitchcock, co-author of The Business Guide to Sustainability<br />
-Larry Chalfan, executive director of the Zero Waste Alliance<br />
-Marsha Willard, CEO of AXIS Performance Advisors<br />
-Dorothy Atwood, expert in sustainability management systems</p>
<p>Located in Portland, Oregon (again just named America’s <a href="http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/09/22/portland-again-tops-a-sustainable-cities-list/?ref=environment">most sustainable city</a>), the organization officially launched a year ago after a period of research and planning started in early 2006. Ms. Willard and her colleagues brought together about 50 founding members, sustainability professionals from around the world, to contribute the initial content for the site. </p>
<p>Membership is now at 300 and almost every continent is represented. ISSP is hoping to reach the 500 mark by the end of 2008 and 1000 members within 3 years. </p>
<p><strong>Networking</strong></p>
<p>ISSP provides an online meeting place where members can connect with those who share common interests, work in common industries, or are tackling common problems. Members can post content such as tools, policies, case studies or any other resource they have used in their jobs. Every participant who uses this repository of peer-reviewed materials can rate content indicating which items have been most worthwhile. Members also have access to a Wiki for collaborative projects, and Forums to discuss sustainability issues. All are welcome – professionals, career-changers, academics, students, consultants, vendors – based on ISSP’s belief that all have something to offer. </p>
<p>ISSP is planning its first face-to-face networking and conference event. This inaugural national organizational event will take place at the end of the first day of the SustainPro Conference, October 29-30 at the Stephens Convention Center at Chicago O’Hare. </p>
<p><strong>Education</strong></p>
<p>Each month, ISSP offers one-hour webinars allowing members to keep their skills and knowledge current. Some webinars offer practical how-to tools and other focus on broad trends and developments in the field. Topics have included: <br />
-Life cycle assessment<br />
-Leading edge government practices from around the globe<br />
-Mapping your impacts<br />
-Product certifications: what they mean<br />
-ESG (Environment, social, governance) criteria: how they are used by the investment community to screen organizations</p>
<p>This fall, ISSP will launch its first distance education workshop -- Leadership Secrets of Kick-Ass Sustainability Professionals – taught as a four-week course by Bob Willard, author of the <a href="http://www.sustainabilityadvantage.com/products/index.html">Sustainability Advantage</a>. The course will prepare participants to integrate sustainability into the culture and systems of their organizations. </p>
<p><strong>Professional Development</strong></p>
<p>One of the key functions of a professional association is to develop and maintain a definition of the profession – that is, what are the fundamental skills, competencies, and activities that define this professional role. To this end, the ISSP is working on a competency study to answer these fundamental questions. According to Ms. Willard, “This field is so new. People are coming into it with such varied backgrounds. We need to make sure we are all talking about the same thing when we refer to ‘sustainability professionals’.“</p>
<p>Of course, competencies will vary somewhat according to particular specialties. But a core set of competency guidelines should emerge that will be useful for people considering entry into the field and for employers evaluating candidates. They are also useful guides to ongoing development for professionals already in the field. </p>
<p>Members have also expressed an interest in accreditation, so ISSP is considering developing a certificate program leading to professional accreditation. </p>
<p><strong>Career Advancement</strong></p>
<p>The ISSP web site offers a career section with job postings, job descriptions, salary studies, and other useful professional development resources. Discounted career coaching services are also available by professionals who combine knowledge of sustainability and career development.</p>
<p>ISSP offers varying membership dues levels for professionals and students. Group discounts are available for organizations with multiple members joining at the same time. The sustainability profession has definitely arrived, and ISSP wants to be your home for professional development. </p>
<p>Jim Witkin is a writer and consultant focusing on ICT4D and social enterprise. He is also pursuing an MBA in Sustainable Management. You can reach him at <a href="http://www.triplepundit.com/atom.xml/mailto:jameswitkin@yahoo.com">jameswitkin</a> at yahoo dot com</p>
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3M Post-Its Make Some Greener Progress
2008-10-10T11:40:24Z
2008-10-10T10:43:15Z
tag:www.triplepundit.com,2008://6.3595
2008-10-10T10:43:15Z
Like your 3M Post-it notes but are concerned about their impact on the environment?
Well so is 3M and starting in 2007 they started to provided eco-friendly versions of all their basic products called Post-it® Recycled Notes.
Is this green washing or real concern?
I suspect neither and both. Really I think it has to do with their bottom line and the growing chorus of folks that want green alternatives in the office. So the more we support items like a green Post-it the more will be sold and the more the idea will work itself into the fabric of 3M.
Also right now they only offer 30% postconsumer content. Come on 3M you can do better than that. Many of our other vendors selling a similar product do.
From the 3M website:
We are committed to designing and sourcing responsibly from an environmental standpoint. ALL Post-it® paper is sourced from paper mills that are certified for sustainable management practices. (Includes SFI and PEFC.) Our Post-it® Recycled Notes include a minimum of 30% postconsumer content and don’t forget—ALL Post-it® Notes are recyclable!
+++
This is a guest post by John Simonetta, owner of ProformaGreen, an eco-friendly promotional items consultancy. John’s blogs are designed to keep us up to date on the “greening” of his industry.
John Simonetta
http://newimproved.planresonate.com
john.simonetta@proforma.com
Fundamentals
<p><img alt="post-it.jpg" src="http://www.triplepundit.com/post-it.jpg" width="110" height="105" class="left" />Like your 3M Post-it notes but are concerned about their impact on the environment?</p>
<p>Well so is 3M and starting in 2007 they started to provided eco-friendly versions of all their basic products called Post-it® Recycled Notes.</p>
<p>Is this green washing or real concern?</p>
<p>I suspect neither and both. Really I think it has to do with their bottom line and the growing chorus of folks that want green alternatives in the office. So the more we support items like a green Post-it the more will be sold and the more the idea will work itself into the fabric of 3M.</p>
<p>Also right now they only offer 30% postconsumer content. Come on 3M you can do better than that. Many of our other vendors selling a similar product do.</p>
<p>From the 3M website:</p>
<blockquote>We are committed to designing and sourcing responsibly from an environmental standpoint. ALL Post-it® paper is sourced from paper mills that are certified for sustainable management practices. (Includes SFI and PEFC.) Our Post-it® Recycled Notes include a minimum of 30% postconsumer content and don’t forget—ALL Post-it® Notes are recyclable!</blockquote>
<p>+++</p>
<p>This is a guest post by John Simonetta, owner of <a href="http://www.proformagreen.com/">ProformaGreen</a>, an eco-friendly promotional items consultancy. John’s blogs are designed to keep us up to date on the “greening” of his industry.<br />
</p>
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Weekly Green Business Wrap-Up
2008-10-10T18:08:36Z
2008-10-10T10:03:22Z
tag:www.triplepundit.com,2008://6.3599
2008-10-10T10:03:22Z
Six steps to green the board room 1. Stay home. (Kidding!) We all hate meeting overload, but when you must call the crew together, here are your 6 best bets for lowering your meeting’s impact.
4.2M Green Jobs in U.S. by 2038 U.S. Conference of Mayors' Mayors Climate Protection Center by Global Insights forecast that green job growth could account for as many as 10 percent of new jobs in the next 30 years. In these stark economic times, I’d settle for any job growth, but green is great!
Solar Tax Credit Does the Trick: Solar Market Booms Despite Credit Crunch Go on- take the good news at face value. There’s no way these are apocalyptic buyers.
Green That Supply Chain Greening your supply chain is a long and complicated process. This article makes the process a bit easier. Of course you could just buy local.
Garbage is a Rich Source of Energy Treehugger clues us in on all the ways to give trash a second life. Eco Geek has the skinny a new technology to do the same thing.
Toshiba Expands E-Waste Recycling Program Clear out those closets! Toshiba’s new free e-waste recycling program will accept many consumer electronics of any brand. Yes, Dell was onto this a few years ago, but welcome to the green revolution, Toshiba!
Ted Turner’s Top Ten Ways to Green the Restaurant Industry Yes, I too wish it was Ted Turner’s top ten ways to tease a treehugger, but restaurants are probably more useful (especially with their water wasting ways!)
What Would Jesus Do: Go Net Zero Carbon of Course! The Vatican makes history as first state to go carbon net zero with a huge solar panel array installed on the papal audience hall. The 2400 solar panel system cost a reported $1.5m. "Those who destroy the environment are also big sinners", says Italian Cardinal Deacon Renato Raffaele Martino. "It's a big insult to God." All right Catholics. Now if we could just get somewhere on this abortion issue.
Frito Lay Sustainability Efforts Save $55 Million on Water and Energy One more reason to eat chips.
Jennifer Boynton
http://www.triplepundit.com/jennifer-boynton/index.php
jennifer.boynton@presidiomba.org
GreenBiz
<p><img alt="6.png" src="http://www.triplepundit.com/6.png" width="60" height="60" class="left" /><a href="http://greenbiz.com/feature/2008/10/06/six-steps-greenest-meetings-possible"><strong>Six steps to green the board room</strong></a> 1. Stay home. (Kidding!) We all hate meeting overload, but when you must call the crew together, here are your 6 best bets for lowering your meeting’s impact. </p>
<p><img alt="hard%20hat.jpg" src="http://www.triplepundit.com/hard%20hat.jpg" width="60" height="60" class="left" /><a href="http://greenbiz.com/news/2008/10/06/mayors-project-42m-green-jobs"><strong> 4.2M Green Jobs in U.S. by 2038</strong></a> U.S. Conference of Mayors' Mayors Climate Protection Center by Global Insights forecast that green job growth could account for as many as 10 percent of new jobs in the next 30 years. In these stark economic times, I’d settle for any job growth, but green is great! </p>
<p><img alt="solar-panel-1.jpg" src="http://www.triplepundit.com/solar-panel-1.jpg" width="60" height="60" class="left" /><a href="http://www.businessgreen.com/business-green/news/2227506/solar-market-thriving-spite"><strong>Solar Tax Credit Does the Trick: Solar Market Booms Despite Credit Crunch</strong></a> Go on- take the good news at face value. There’s no way these are apocalyptic buyers. <br />
<br /><br />
<img alt="Norwegian_Korean_Standard_Link_Chain.jpg" src="http://www.triplepundit.com/Norwegian_Korean_Standard_Link_Chain.jpg" width="60" height="60" class="left" /><a href="http://climatebiz.com/feature/2008/09/18/chain-reaction"><strong>Green That Supply Chain</strong> </a> Greening your supply chain is a long and complicated process. This article makes the process a bit easier. Of course you could just buy local. <br />
<br /><br />
<img alt="trash.jpg" src="http://www.triplepundit.com/trash.jpg" width="60" height="60" class="left" /><a href="http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/10/waste-to-energy.php"><strong>Garbage is a Rich Source of Energy</strong></a> Treehugger clues us in on all the ways to give trash a second life. <a href="http://www.ecogeek.org/content/view/2178/">Eco Geek</a> has the skinny a new technology to do the same thing. <br />
<br /></p>
<p><img alt="Computer.JPG" src="http://www.triplepundit.com/Computer.JPG" width="60" height="60" class="left" /><strong><a href="http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/10/toshiba_makes_e-cycling_easier_with_expanded_recycling_program.php">Toshiba Expands E-Waste Recycling Program </a></strong> Clear out those closets! Toshiba’s new free e-waste recycling program will accept many consumer electronics of any brand. Yes, Dell was onto this a few years ago, but welcome to the green revolution, Toshiba! </p>
<p><img alt="Parisian%20Waiter%201.jpg" src="http://www.triplepundit.com/Parisian%20Waiter%201.jpg" width="60" height="60" class="left" /><a href="http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/10/ted-turners-green-revolution.php"><strong>Ted Turner’s Top Ten Ways to Green the Restaurant Industry </strong></a> Yes, I too wish it was Ted Turner’s top ten ways to tease a treehugger, but restaurants are probably more useful (especially with their <a href="http://www.grist.org/news/2008/10/06/starbucks/index.html">water wasting ways</a>!) </p>
<p><img alt="pope-new2.jpg" src="http://www.triplepundit.com/pope-new2.jpg" width="60" height="60" class="left" /><a href="http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/10/vatican-zero-carbon-state.php"><strong>What Would Jesus Do: Go Net Zero Carbon of Course! </strong></a> The Vatican makes history as first state to go carbon net zero with a huge solar panel array installed on the papal audience hall. The 2400 solar panel system cost a reported $1.5m. "Those who destroy the environment are also big sinners", says Italian Cardinal Deacon Renato Raffaele Martino. "It's a big insult to God." All right Catholics. Now if we could just get somewhere on this abortion issue. <br />
<a href="http://www.environmentalleader.com/2008/10/08/frito-lay-sustainability-efforts-save-55-million-on-water-energy/"></p>
<p><img alt="lays-potato-chips-regular.jpg" src="http://www.triplepundit.com/lays-potato-chips-regular.jpg" width="60" height="60" class="left"/><a href="http://www.environmentalleader.com/2008/10/08/frito-lay-sustainability-efforts-save-55-million-on-water-energy/"><strong>Frito Lay Sustainability Efforts Save $55 Million on Water and Energy</strong></a></a> One more reason to eat chips.</p>
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Electric Vehicles to Power New Business Models
2008-10-10T00:00:43Z
2008-10-09T23:53:34Z
tag:www.triplepundit.com,2008://6.3597
2008-10-09T23:53:34Z
Part of a series of posts by John Gartner of Matter Network: Just as the solar industry has spawned many new business (specialty finance companies, power aggregators, installers) so will electrified vehicles create supporting niche industries. According to utility, automotive, and related industries executives attending the RMI Smart Garage charrette, these companies will be needed to assume risk that automakers and utilities aren't willing to take as a service layer in between the two. These new services include:
Free public charging stations -- to ramp up demand for plug-in and all-electric vehicles, a visible number of no-cost public stations are needed. Big box stores such as Wal-Mart or Costco may be willing to install chargers to draw customers, who would have to shop for several hours as their vehicles recharge. State governments may also fund such projects under the guise of meeting carbon emission reduction goals. Other potential industries that could give away power to draw customers -- golf courses and movie theaters.
Battery servicing and reclamation -- during several sessions, it was proposed that new companies (or perhaps utilities themselves) are needed to finance the upfront cost of vehicle batteries and to extract the lifetime value of the battery that will go beyond the car. J.B. Straubel of Tesla Motors says testing that he's seen indicate that battery durability quickly "falls off a slope" after 4 years. Utilities or third-party companies will buy banks of used lithium ion batteries to create relatively inexpensive storage arrays. Some batteries will need to be taken out of cars early to provide maximum value to utilities, while future batteries may outlast the cars. Another potential service is battery swapping, where service companies provide fresh batteries faster (10-15 minutes) than they can be recharged, but Straubel doubts that it will happen. Auto dealerships may get into the battery swapping business to offset revenue lost from charges for mechanic services.
Triple Pundit
http://www.triplepundit.com/about
nick@triplepundit.com
Corporate Evolution
<p><img alt="tesls-9942.jpg" src="http://www.triplepundit.com/tesls-9942.jpg" width="127" height="88" class="left" /><i>Part of a series of posts by<a href="http://www.matternetwork.com/2008/10/evs-power-new-business-models.cfm"> John Gartner of Matter Network</a>:</i> Just as the solar industry has spawned many new business (specialty finance companies, power aggregators, installers) so will electrified vehicles create supporting niche industries. According to utility, automotive, and related industries executives attending the RMI Smart Garage charrette, these companies will be needed to assume risk that automakers and utilities aren't willing to take as a service layer in between the two. These new services include:</p>
<p><strong>Free public charging stations --</strong> to ramp up demand for plug-in and all-electric vehicles, a visible number of no-cost public stations are needed. Big box stores such as Wal-Mart or Costco may be willing to install chargers to draw customers, who would have to shop for several hours as their vehicles recharge. State governments may also fund such projects under the guise of meeting carbon emission reduction goals. Other potential industries that could give away power to draw customers -- golf courses and movie theaters.</p>
<p><strong>Battery servicing and reclamation --</strong> during several sessions, it was proposed that new companies (or perhaps utilities themselves) are needed to finance the upfront cost of vehicle batteries and to extract the lifetime value of the battery that will go beyond the car. J.B. Straubel of Tesla Motors says testing that he's seen indicate that battery durability quickly "falls off a slope" after 4 years. Utilities or third-party companies will buy banks of used lithium ion batteries to create relatively inexpensive storage arrays. Some batteries will need to be taken out of cars early to provide maximum value to utilities, while future batteries may outlast the cars. Another potential service is battery swapping, where service companies provide fresh batteries faster (10-15 minutes) than they can be recharged, but Straubel doubts that it will happen. Auto dealerships may get into the battery swapping business to offset revenue lost from charges for mechanic services.</p>
<p><strong>Electric cars as a service --</strong> <a href="http://www.betterplace.com/our-bold-plan/business-model/">Better Place</a> equates driving EVs to owning a cell phone. The company will buy the cars and then rent them by mile, and set up a network of charging stations where batteries can be swapped out. This sounds like a large capital investment. (The cellular analogy keeps coming up, often in regards to the wireless infrastructure challenges.)</p>
<p><strong>Electricity bargain hunting --</strong> customers who live in a utilitiy district that has higher rates may purchase electricity outside of their zone (much like people who drive to tax-free states to shop. They could then resell that power back at higher rates to the highest bidding utility. However, the cost of selling back power to utilities from a car is only a few hundred dollars, according to several people I spoke to. While it may feel good, this may not be enough to create a sub-industry.</p>
<p><strong>Charging station locators -- </strong>information services companies find locations with available charging station, and send the information to iPhones.</p>
<p><strong>New "cheap" oil --</strong> petroleum is an old business, but Middle Eastern states could temporarily drastically cut the price of oil if electrified vehicles start to gain popularity. Much of the enthusiasm for solar and then EVs died when oil prices fell quickly, so automanufacturers and utilities need to guard against another price collapse.</p>
<p>The arrival of PHEVs and return of EVs will also force regulatory and tax changes. For example, gasoline taxes that pay for road upkeep will have to be replaced, so taxes may have to be added to filling up at the socket that is kept separate from other electricity consumption. Currently in some states, if a parking garage charges for power by the kWh, they would be considered illegally operating as utilities. They can get around this by "renting" the parking space per hour and not charging directly for the power, but these laws must be changed.</p>
<p> -- By <a href="http://www.matternetwork.com/2008/10/evs-power-new-business-models.cfm">John Gartner, Matter Network</a></p>
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One Megawatt Solar Power System Unveiled at Gap Inc.'s West Coast Distribution Center
2008-10-09T11:40:37Z
2008-10-09T11:30:03Z
tag:www.triplepundit.com,2008://6.3596
2008-10-09T11:30:03Z
Tom Schueneman
http://www.triplepundit.com/Tom-Schueneman
tschueneman@gmail.com
Corporate Evolution
solar+energysunpowermma+renewable+venturesgap+solar+installation
<img alt="Gap Inc unveils 1 meagwatt solar facility" src="http://www.triplepundit.com/Gap_Solar.jpg" width="250" height="166" align="left" hspace="7" vspace="7"/><p>MMA Renewable Ventures and SunPower Corporation joined representatives from Gap, Inc. on Tuesday to <a href="http://www.csrwire.com/News/13370.html" target="_blank">unveil a one megawatt solar power system</a> at the Gap’s West Coast Distribution Center in Fresno. </p>
<p>The five-acre installation is one of the largest in northern California. Designed by <a href="http://www.sunpowercorp.com/" target="_blank">SunPower</a>, the system features <em><a href="http://www.solarpowerauthority.com/archives/2008/09/sunpower-tracker-solar-tracking-technology-released.html" target="_blank">SunPower Tracker</a></em> technology that tracks the sun’s movements throughout the day. The system increases energy capture by up to 25% over fixed-tilt systems, while decreasing land use requirements. </p>
<p>The installation is expected to offset 2.5 million pounds of greenhouse gas emission every year, equivalent to taking 2,466 vehicles off the road over the life of the project.</p>
<p>SunPower communication director Ingrid Ekstrom said similar systems have also been designed for other major firms including Macy’s, Hewlett-Packard, and Wal-Mart.</p>
<p><strong>A strategic partnership</strong></p>
<p>The system is owned and operated by <a href="http://mmarenew.com/" target="_blank">MMA Renewable Ventures</a>, who partnered with Gap Inc. in leveraging <a href="http://www.globalwarmingisreal.com/blog/2008/10/03/news-break-house-passes-bailout-bill-that-includes-extension-of-renewable-energy-tax-credits/" target="_blank">tax credits and incentives</a> to finance the project at a cost of about $7 million, taking six months to build. </p>
<p>MMA Renewable Ventures will sell power to GAP through a 20–year power purchase agreement at or below utility rates. </p>
<p>MMA CEO Matt Cheney said of the partnership between his firm and Gap: </p>
<blockquote>
<p>“This project demonstrates that solar systems deliver dependable power and long-term cost savings. Gap Inc. joins with several of the country's top retailers in deploying solar; we commend their visionary commitment to renewable energy systems. By securing power through a power purchase agreement, Gap Inc. will benefit from cost savings from the system's very first day of operation – and for years to come."<br /></P></BLOCKQUOTE>
<P>Kindley Walsh Lawlor, senior director of strategic planning for Gap said at the unveiling:</P>
<blockquote>
<P>“We are very excited this solar power system is now online. We made the commitment to host this solar system nearly 15 months ago and are proud to support the clean energy it generates. Over the past decade, Gap Inc. has sought to find better ways to do business and this solar installation is one such shining example.”</P></BLOCKQUOTE>
<P>And Sunpower took their turn at the ceremony with president Howard Wenger:</P>
<blockquote>
<P>“We congratulate Gap Inc. on their decision to convert five acres of unused land on the Fresno campus for the production of clean, renewable solar power. High-efficiency SunPower Trackers will maximize the energy production on the site, while an affordable PPA will provide the facility with a hedge against rising utility rates”</P></BLOCKQUOTE>
<P dir=ltr><STRONG>California’s sunny central valley</STRONG></P>
<P dir=ltr>Fresno and the surrounding central valley of California is ideal for solar power installations, and many have already taken advantage of the sunny climate. Examples include:</P>
<UL dir=ltr>
<LI>
<DIV>A 4.2 megawatt system at Fresno Yosemite Airport </DIV></LI>
<LI>
<DIV>1.2 megawatts of solar power at Fresno State</DIV></LI>
<LI>
<DIV>P-R Farms of Clovis has installed a 1.13 megawatt system</DIV></LI></UL>
<P>The office of the mayor of Fresno welcomed Gap Inc into the city’s growing “green family”. </P>
<P>As goes Fresno…<br /></P>
<P><STRONG>Sources and Further Reading</STRONG><br /><A href="http://www.csrwire.com/profile/743.html" target=_blank>Gap Inc Social Responsibility Profile</A><br /><A href="http://www.fresnobee.com/business/story/920562.html" target=_blank>Fresno Bee</A><br /><A href="http://www.mcclatchydc.com/homepage/story/53630.html" target=_blank>McClathcy</A><br /><A href="http://www.greenbiz.com/news/2008/10/08/att-constellation-wines-gap-host-solar" target=_blank>GreenBiz</A></P>
<P><EM>Photo credit: CSRWire.com</EM></P>
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Bamboo in the Bath - Ideas For Your Hospitality Needs
2008-10-09T10:40:26Z
2008-10-09T10:38:19Z
tag:www.triplepundit.com,2008://6.3594
2008-10-09T10:38:19Z
Managing or starting up an eco spa? Trying to “green” your fitness center? Launching a new green hotel? Then this may be for you.
Pro Towels has released a new line of towels made from bamboo. They are lovely and great for any spa or water related business with a green agenda.
Bamboo as a woven material is popping up more and more in the industry. I would say it feels closer to silk than cotton and is being used in bags, totes, shirts, the usual suspects.
The Pro Towel Bamboo Collection advertises itself as a 35”x60”, heavyweight, twill hemmed and looped finished towel of 100% bamboo. Colors available are Sandalwood, Ivory, Leaf Green and Pure White.
The pitch is the same as always. Bamboo is “one of the world’s most prolific and fastest-growing plants making it nature’s most sustainable resources” and 100% biodegradable. Pro Towel also points out they use organic (natural) bamboo so that means it is grown without any pesticides or chemicals.
These towels are not cheap, running nearly $30 per unit (including 8K stitches of embroidery) and certainly fall into the luxury category for promotional items. A standard towel would run closer to $18 per unit. Pro Towels also has released robes made of the same Bamboo material.
+++
This is a guest post by John Simonetta, owner of ProformaGreen, an eco-friendly promotional items consultancy. John’s blogs are designed to keep us up to date on the “greening” of his industry.
John Simonetta
http://newimproved.planresonate.com
john.simonetta@proforma.com
Innovation
<p><img alt="towels-bamboo.jpg" src="http://www.triplepundit.com/towels-bamboo.jpg" width="116" height="116" />Managing or starting up an eco spa? Trying to “green” your fitness center? Launching a new green hotel? Then this may be for you.</p>
<p><a href="http://">Pro Towels</a> has released a new line of towels made from bamboo. They are lovely and great for any spa or water related business with a green agenda.</p>
<p>Bamboo as a woven material is popping up more and more in the industry. I would say it feels closer to silk than cotton and is being used in bags, totes, shirts, the usual suspects.</p>
<p>The Pro Towel Bamboo Collection advertises itself as a 35”x60”, heavyweight, twill hemmed and looped finished towel of 100% bamboo. Colors available are Sandalwood, Ivory, Leaf Green and Pure White.</p>
<p>The pitch is the same as always. Bamboo is “one of the world’s most prolific and fastest-growing plants making it nature’s most sustainable resources” and 100% biodegradable. Pro Towel also points out they use organic (natural) bamboo so that means it is grown without any pesticides or chemicals.</p>
<p>These towels are not cheap, running nearly $30 per unit (including 8K stitches of embroidery) and certainly fall into the luxury category for promotional items. A standard towel would run closer to $18 per unit. Pro Towels also has released robes made of the same Bamboo material.</p>
<p>+++</p>
<p>This is a guest post by John Simonetta, owner of <a href="http://www.proformagreen.com/">ProformaGreen</a>, an eco-friendly promotional items consultancy. John’s blogs are designed to keep us up to date on the “greening” of his industry.<br />
</p>
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How Green Retrofitting is Beneficial
2008-10-10T07:40:29Z
2008-10-09T10:00:00Z
tag:www.triplepundit.com,2008://6.3600
2008-10-09T10:00:00Z
Seventy-three percent of respondents to green real estate consultant Charles Lockwood and Deloitte's survey conducted in 2007 reported that they achieved cost reductions as a result of green retrofits. Sixteen organizations that underwent a LEED-certified green building retrofit participated in the survey. Most of the survey respondents paid a cost premium of 10 percent or less for their green retrofits.
Survey respondents reported other benefits. Eighty-seven percent reported that workforce productivity improved. One hundred percent reported that goodwill/brand equity increased. Seventy-five percent reported their employees’ health improved. Eighty-one percent experienced greater employee retention.
Gina-Marie Cheeseman
gmcheeseman@netscape.com
Green Building
<p><img alt="LEED%20certified%20building.jpg" src="http://www.triplepundit.com/LEED%20certified%20building.jpg" width="100" height="63" class="left"/></p>
<p>Seventy-three percent of respondents to green real estate consultant Charles Lockwood and Deloitte's survey conducted in 2007 reported that they achieved cost reductions as a result of green retrofits. Sixteen organizations that underwent a LEED-certified green building retrofit participated in the survey. Most of the survey respondents paid a cost premium of 10 percent or less for their green retrofits. </p>
<p>Survey respondents reported other benefits. Eighty-seven percent reported that workforce productivity improved. One hundred percent reported that goodwill/brand equity increased. Seventy-five percent reported their employees’ health improved. Eighty-one percent experienced greater employee retention.<br />
</p>
<p>“The value of green retrofitting helps demonstrate that sustainability is rapidly becoming a critical business strategy," said Chris Park, leader of Deloitte’s Enterprise Sustainability service line. "This survey shows that green is more than just a reputational issue. It is clear to us that it is necessary for companies to implement a wide variety of sustainable practices in order to attract and retain talent and increase worker productivity."</p>
<p>“Somewhat surprisingly, benefits related to corporate image and employee relations were at least as important considerations as operational cost savings,” said David Jacobstein, senior advisor to Deloitte’s Real Estate industry group.</p>
<p>Sixty-three percent of the respondents reported that they overspent by five or more percent. One of the respondents said, “If there was a 30 or 40 percent price differential between green and conventional, it would have been a tough decision. When you’re in the 6 to 10 percent range, it becomes a pretty easy decision.”</p>
<p>Another respondent said that if you only look at the capital costs, “there is a cost premium for green.” However, when you look at the value the green retrofitting adds, “such as productivity increases and better retention, you’ll find that it’s actually cheaper to go green.”</p>
<p>Much of the cost difference between traditional retrofitting and green retrofitting “revolved around the fact that we had a lot of education to do,” according to a respondent. “We spent an awful lot of time educating our general contractor and our architect, and the waste management folks.”</p>
<p>Tackling a buildings mechanical and electrical systems “will cost a premium,” but “you don’t tackle those elements, you can get away with a lower cost premium, but you won’t reap the operational cost savings,” a respondent said.</p>
<p>Most of the survey respondents were very satisfied with their green retrofits. Eighty-three percent of the respondents stated that they were “very likely” to do another green retrofit in the future, and the remaining 17 percent stated that they were “somewhat likely.” </p>
<p>Respondents reported savings on their utility bills. One respondent said they saved “approximately 17 percent on our utility bill over the existing structure that we were leasing.”</p>
<p>Other studies found similar results. The Co-Star Group did a study of 1,300 buildings in April and discovered that LEED-certified buildings have rent premiums of $11.24 over conventional buildings. They also have a 3.8 percent higher occupancy rate, and sale an average of $171 more per square foot. </p>
<p>Davis Langdon’s “Cost of Green Revisited” 2007 study found “no significant difference in average costs for green buildings as compared to non-green buildings.” Recent studies by the IFMA Foundation and Turner Construction found that most new green buildings cost less than one percent more, and some even cost less. </p>
<p>The Deloitte survey highlighted Adobe Systems, who green retrofitted its headquarters. The retrofit saves Adobe $1.2 million annually. After the retrofit, Adobe’s electricity use dropped 35 percent, its natural gas use by 41 percent, potable water consumption by 22 percent, and its use of landscape irrigation water by 76 percent. Between 2001 and 2007 Adobe’s staff grew by 35 percent. <br />
</p>
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SF Mayor: "Demand a New Green Economy"
2008-10-08T23:49:06Z
2008-10-08T23:20:16Z
tag:www.triplepundit.com,2008://6.3593
2008-10-08T23:20:16Z
A post by San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom: At this vital juncture in our country's history, it's clear that we must take climate change seriously. America is spending more than $200,000 per minute on foreign oil -- $13 million per hour. More than $25 billion a year goes for Persian Gulf imports alone. Our dependence upon oil, especially foreign oil, affects not only our economy but our national security.
We must take real steps to end our reliance on foreign oil. At last night's presidential debate, I was pleased to hear Senator Obama say that energy independence will be the number one priority of his administration.
We must follow words with action.
In San Francisco, we are establishing this new green economy while reducing our dependence on foreign oil, slashing the amount of greenhouse gases being released into the environment, and creating new green collar jobs.
Last week, I announced that applications for new solar installations in San Francisco have nearly quadrupled since the city's groundbreaking solar rebate program, GoSolarSF launched in July. Ten workers have been hired to date and we expect the number to triple in the next month. With dedicated support from the next presidential administration this new green economy will take off.
Triple Pundit
http://www.triplepundit.com/about
nick@triplepundit.com
Government
GavinNewsom
<p><img alt="newsomjpg" src="http://www.triplepundit.com/newsomjpg" width="128" height="84" class="right" /><b>A post by San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom:</b> At this vital juncture in our country's history, it's clear that we must take climate change seriously. America is spending more than $200,000 per minute on foreign oil -- $13 million per hour. More than $25 billion a year goes for Persian Gulf imports alone. Our dependence upon oil, especially foreign oil, affects not only our economy but our national security.</p>
<p>We must take real steps to end our reliance on foreign oil. At last night's presidential debate, I was pleased to hear Senator Obama say that energy independence will be the number one priority of his administration.</p>
<p>We must follow words with action.</p>
<p>In San Francisco, we are establishing this new green economy while reducing our dependence on foreign oil, slashing the amount of greenhouse gases being released into the environment, and creating new green collar jobs.</p>
<p>Last week,<a href="http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/environment&id=6426541"> I announced</a> that applications for new solar installations in San Francisco have nearly quadrupled since the city's groundbreaking solar rebate program, <a href="http://sfwater.org/detail.cfm/MC_ID/12/MSC_ID/139/MTO_ID/361/C_ID/3910">GoSolarSF </a>launched in July. Ten workers have been hired to date and we expect the number to triple in the next month. With dedicated support from the next presidential administration this new green economy will take off.</p>
<p>Solar installation may be the most obvious component of green technology, but it is not the only sector. This new green economy also includes recycling, bicycle repair and landscaping.</p>
<p>San Francisco is creating and promoting green jobs, so we can ensure that the neighborhoods that were locked out of the pollution-based economy are locked in to the new green economy.</p>
<p>A clean energy economy will create millions of new green jobs that America desperately needs. Jobs that can't be outsourced. Jobs that use the skills of today's workers. Green jobs aren't just the jobs of the future -- they are the jobs of today.</p>
<p>Americans are ready for bold action. We can truly revitalize our economy with good green jobs, clean, renewable energy and a healthy climate. We must demand this new green economy. No more billion dollar tax breaks for the oil industry. No more drill baby drill. No more Persian Gulf oil imports. Energy independence is attainable in 10 years, but we must demand it from our leaders. We need to invest in America's future -- a green future. We need to invest in solar, wind, geothermal, wave and other green technologies. Our national security depends on it.</p>
<p>-- Gavin Newsom</p>
<p><b>Ed Note:</b> Politics may be politics, but it's exciting to see some vision coming from a major city's mayor - it's pretty obvious to me, and most readers of this site that the green economy is our best hope toward recovering from the calamities of the last decade - that goes for a national as well as local level. I'd love to insert that we don't just need to get off foreign oil, we need to get off ALL oil. Nonetheless, I'm excited to see the steps SF is taking. Is your city doing the same? Drop us a comment, or better yet, forward this to your mayor and see what sort of response we can get! - Nick</p>
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Exposing Diverse Audiences to Green - Mos Def, Backed By 30-Piece Orchestra, to Headline FREE Green Music Festival in S.F.
2008-10-09T22:33:27Z
2008-10-08T20:43:10Z
tag:www.triplepundit.com,2008://6.3592
2008-10-08T20:43:10Z
Are you a green maven who loves your work and finds it hard to put it all down and go out and have some fun? Well, here's an opportunity to do both - and if you're a Bay Area green business or non-profit, there's also a unique marketing opportunity for you here (see the bottom of this post)...
On Saturday, October 18th, Golden Globe and Emmy Award-nominated actor and Grammy-nominated artist, Mos Def, will be joined by the full 30-piece Realistic Orchestra and very special guests – headlining the first annual Band Shell Music Summit, in Golden Gate Park’s (S.F.) Band Shell Music Concourse.
Mos Def’s performance will cap a FREE day-long sustainability-themed music festival – presented by Meadowlands Entertainment Group and Conservation Value Institute – that by including artists from multiple musical and cultural backgrounds, aims to connect diverse audiences with green solutions. Also in the line up are Mingus Amungus w/Special Guest Arab Summit, Bayonics featuring Zion I, Josh Jones Latin Jazz Ensemble Featuring Jesus Diaz and John Santos, Dmitri Matheny Quartet, and much more.
The Summit will celebrate the San Francisco cultural icons located to each side of The Concourse – the California Academy of Sciences (just re-opened as the world’s first ever LEED Platinum-rated museum) and the De Young Museum. It aims to leverage the uniting, inspiring power of music and culture to foster awareness of the environmental, economic and quality of life benefits that the city’s diverse communities can achieve by participating in the burgeoning clean energy and energy efficiency revolution.
Jon Gelbard
http://conservationvalue.blogspot.com
jon@conservationvalue.org
greenmusicfestival,mosdef,conservationvalueinstitute,goldengatepark,sanfrancisco,education,environmentaljustice,JonGelbard,MichelGelobter
<p><img alt="band_shell_ad.jpg" src="http://www.triplepundit.com/band_shell_ad.jpg" width="324" height="183" class="right"/>Are you a green maven who loves your work and finds it hard to put it all down and go out and have some fun? Well, here's an opportunity to do both - and if you're a Bay Area green business or non-profit, there's also a unique marketing opportunity for you here (see the bottom of this post)...</p>
<p>On Saturday, October 18th, Golden Globe and Emmy Award-nominated actor and Grammy-nominated artist, <a href="http://megsf.com/bios.html">Mos Def</a>, will be joined by the full 30-piece <a href="http://www.myspace.com/realisticorchestra">Realistic Orchestra</a> and very special guests – headlining the first annual <a href="http://www.megsf.com">Band Shell Music Summit</a>, in Golden Gate Park’s (S.F.) <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/music-concourse-bandshell-golden-gate-park-san-francisco">Band Shell Music Concourse</a>.</p>
<p>Mos Def’s performance will cap a<strong> FREE </strong>day-long sustainability-themed music festival – presented by <a href="http://www.megsf.com">Meadowlands Entertainment Group</a> and <a href="http://www.conservationvalue.org">Conservation Value Institute</a> – that by including artists from multiple musical and cultural backgrounds, aims to connect diverse audiences with green solutions. Also in the line up are <a href="http://www.mingusamungus.com/">Mingus Amungus</a> w/Special Guest <a href="http://www.myspace.com/arabsummit">Arab Summit</a>, <a href="http://www.myspace.com/bayonics">Bayonics</a> featuring <a href="http://www.myspace.com/zioni">Zion I</a>, <a href="http://www.joshjonesdrums.com/live/">Josh Jones</a> Latin Jazz Ensemble Featuring <a href="http://www.bombomusic.com/html/qba.html">Jesus Diaz</a> and <a href="http://www.johnsantos.com/">John Santos</a>, <a href="http://www.allaboutjazz.com/artists/matheny.htm">Dmitri Matheny Quartet</a>, and much more.</p>
<p>The Summit will celebrate the San Francisco cultural icons located to each side of The Concourse – the <a href="http://www.calacademy.org/">California Academy of Sciences</a> (just re-opened as the world’s first ever <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2008/TRAVEL/09/24/museum.makeover.ap/">LEED Platinum-rated museum</a>) and the <a href="http://www.famsf.org/deyoung/">De Young Museum</a>. It aims to leverage the uniting, inspiring power of music and culture to foster awareness of the environmental, economic and quality of life benefits that the city’s diverse communities can achieve by participating in the burgeoning clean energy and energy efficiency revolution.</p>
<p>Special guest speaker, <a href="http://www.climatecooler.com/">Cooler, Inc.</a> founder, <a href="http://11thhouraction.com/ideasandexperts/michelgelobter">Michel Gelobter</a>, will be on hand to inject the audience with inspiration on how climate change and clean energy solutions are also job-creating and poverty solutions. Gelobter recently led <a href="http://www.rprogress.org/index.htm">Redefining Progress</a> in designing the world’s most aggressive climate legislation (signed into California law in August of 2006 by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger), has been a Congressional Black Caucus Fellow with the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee; and serves on the Advisory Board of Vice-President <a href="http://www.wecansolveit.org/">Al Gore’s Alliance for Climate Protection</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Reaching a Diverse Audience with Green Messaging</strong><br />
As a conservation scientist with close ties to the music industry, I have been working for several years now on projects such as the <a href="http://www.greenapplefestival.com/">Green Apple Festival</a> and the <a href="http://www.rothburyfestival.com/festival/think_tank.php">ROTHBURY Think Tank</a>, which leverage the viral power of music to connect the masses with green living, business and policy solutions. The Band Shell Music Summit – deliberately targeting audiences that include not only music fans of multiple genres and backgrounds, but also museum visitors – has me particularly excited. It’s rare that I have the opportunity to help <a href="http://news.mongabay.com/2008/0623-van_jones_interview_mj_ucsc.html">expose such a diverse audience to the promise offered by the sustainability revolution</a> - that ‘going green’ is not just about solving climate change and other ‘environmental’ problems, but is a path that will positively transform our (imploding) economy away from dependence on dirty oil and fossil fuels, and in doing so will revolutionize our public health, national security, and quality of life.</p>
<p>For inner city and other low-income communities, efficient, clean technologies offer <a href="http://gristmill.grist.org/story/2008/10/6/124449/464?source=daily">particularly promising benefits</a>. It’s with these folks that the hundreds if not thousands of dollars in savings on energy bills that efficient technologies provide can make a really significant difference in how much money people have left to spend (or save) after the bills are paid.</p>
<p><strong>Mini EcoVillage to Feature Green Solutions</strong><br />
To promote the poverty-fighting potential of green technologies, <a href="http://www.pge.com/climatesmart/">PG & E</a> will be on hand to give out 3,000 efficient CFL bulbs. In addition, we’ve secured a solar trailer to provide power for our vendors, and will feature such green living and business solutions as solar power installers, sales of electric scooters and bicycles, a clean vehicle exhibit (including fuel cell and plug-in hybrid prototypes), organic and hemp clothing and natural jewelry boutiques, and perhaps even an installer of residential wind power – perfect for windy San Francisco.</p>
<p>On the non-profit side, <a href="http://www.headcount.org/">HeadCount</a> will be on hand to register fans to vote (the California Voter registration deadline is Monday 10/20, be sure to <a href="http://www.triplepundit.com/atom.xml/https://electionimpact3.votenet.com/headcount/voterreg2/index.cfm">register to vote!</a>), and multiple environmental non-profits will be on hand to educate festivalgoers in green living, business, and policy solutions. Festival partner, <a href="http://www.bluebearmusic.org/index.php">Blue Bear School of Music</a>, will also be on hand, promoting their mission of providing superior quality and affordable music education to aspiring musicians of all ages and skill levels – <a href="http://www.inticketing.com/evinfo.php?eventid=28479">check out their benefit with Mos Def and friends on Sunday night 10/19</a> at Ruby Skye!</p>
<p>Come one, come all and please join us in what promises to be a festive day of green solutions and FREE music, with wine, beer, and margaritas to be served in special beverage gardens. And of course, spread the word! If you’d like to enjoy the festival with a very special VIP package, <a href="http://www.inticketing.com/evinfo.php?eventid=28479">click here</a> for details…</p>
<p><strong>The Marketing Opportunity - A Few Booth Spaces Still Available</strong><br />
If your green business or non-profit would like to have a booth at the Band Shell Music Summit, stop by our “<a href="http://megsf.com/talk.html">Talk to Us</a>” page, where our booth sales contact information is provided. We’d love for you to join us in connecting the crowd with products and services who's production, use and re-use potential is sustainable for both the planet and ourselves! But be quick, as booth spaces are limited and getting close to selling out...</p>
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Social Capital Markets 2008 Presenter Profile: How HIP are you?
2008-10-08T23:47:46Z
2008-10-08T15:21:54Z
tag:www.triplepundit.com,2008://6.3591
2008-10-08T15:21:54Z
This post is part of a series covering the Social Capital Markets 2008 Conference, which 3P is excited to be a part of.
Napoleon Wallace -- The 2008 Social Capital Markets Conference is truly laying the groundwork for the social capital sea change, and as mentioned in the “Value of Values”, this conference is giving us our first peek into this revolutionary space. So who are the players “making the market?” Which are the companies operating at the intersection of money and meaning?
To give one such example, I had the pleasure of speaking with Jessica Skylar of HIP Investor to discuss the HIP methodology, HIP’s place within the social capital sea change, and HIP’s possible impact on core investment methodology.
To date, HIP has pioneered the HUMAN IMPACT + PROFIT investment methodology, which provides investors with a framework to analyze a company’s HUMAN IMPACT on Health, Wealth, Earth, Equality and Trust, as well as, it Financial Profitability.
So what are the implications of viewing investments this way?
Triple Pundit
http://www.triplepundit.com/about
nick@triplepundit.com
MBA
sustainable+development
social+capital+markets
hip+investor
sustainable+capitalism
human+impact
social+capital
<p><img src="http://www.triplepundit.com/scm-title.gif" class="left" /><i>This post is part of a series covering the <a href="http://socialcapitalmarkets.net">Social Capital Markets 2008 Conference</a>, which 3P is excited to be a part of.</i></p>
<p><b>Napoleon Wallace -- </b> The 2008 Social Capital Markets Conference is truly laying the groundwork for the social capital sea change, and as mentioned in the <a href="http://www.triplepundit.com/pages/finding-value-in-values-social-003538.php">“Value of Values”</a>, this conference is giving us our first peek into this revolutionary space. So who are the players <a href="http://socialcapitalmarkets.net/blog/2008/09/a-coffee-shop-for-the-social-capital-market/">“making the market?”</a> Which are the companies operating at the intersection of money and meaning? </p>
<p>To give one such example, I had the pleasure of speaking with <a href="http://www.hipinvestor.com/contact/leadership/">Jessica Skylar</a> of <a href="http://www.hipinvestor.com/">HIP Investor</a> to discuss the HIP methodology, HIP’s place within the social capital sea change, and HIP’s possible impact on core investment methodology. </p>
<p>To date, HIP has pioneered the HUMAN IMPACT + PROFIT investment methodology, which provides investors with a framework to analyze a company’s HUMAN IMPACT on Health, Wealth, Earth, Equality and Trust, as well as, it Financial Profitability.</p>
<p>So what are the implications of viewing investments this way? </p>
<p>Last fall, the Rockefeller Foundation convened a group of impact investors, later named the Rockefeller Impact Investing Collaborative (RIIC), to determine the best methods for attracting fresh capital to the impact space. </p>
<p>As a result of the working group, the RIIC in partnership with <a href="http://www.svtgroup.net/">Social Venture Technologies</a> concluded that:</p>
<p>• Impact investing would be more attractive to new investment if the relationship between financial returns and impact were illuminated, and</p>
<p>• HIP Investor was identified as the <a href="http://www.svtgroup.net/interact/impactinvestor.html">“best hope”</a> among 24 leading methodologies to systematically surface the interrelationship between impact and profitability.</p>
<p>I’d say that’s quite the implication. As declared by <a href="http://www.hipinvestor.com/contact/leadership/">R. Paul Herman, CEO of HIP Investor,</a> “The world’s $140 trillion of investments – whether denominated in rupee, rand, real, euro or dollar – are underinvested until they all yield both human impact AND profit.” </p>
<p>So what’s next on the docket for HIP? <a href="http://www.hipinvestor.com/for-investors/hip-funds/">HIP Funds</a> of course; tracking the S&P 100 & 500, and also prospective funds that focus on the companies that maximize the Health, Wealth, Earth, Equality and Trust considerations within the HIP Methodology. </p>
<p>Now the great thing is that HIP is only <a href="http://socialcapitalmarkets.net/speakers.php">one example</a> of the innovation and impact to convene at SoCap08 in a few weeks. This is the efficient frontier… and I am excited to be a part of it. I look forward to seeing you there.</p>
<p><br />
***</p>
<p>Napoleon Wallace is a member of <a href="http://www.kenan-flagler.unc.edu/">UNC Kenan-Flagler’s MBA Class of 2010</a>. Napoleon spent the 4 years prior to business school as an investment banker and sell-side energy analyst, and he’s currently engaged in two sustainability-focused projects within UNC’s Center for Sustainable Enterprise and 4th Sector Bank.</p>
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Investing in Offshore Wind Farms in the United States
2008-10-08T23:47:46Z
2008-10-08T11:29:30Z
tag:www.triplepundit.com,2008://6.3590
2008-10-08T11:29:30Z
Despite the recent economic downturn, in the last two weeks both New Jersey and Rhode Island have chosen to move ahead with plans to construct offshore wind farms, announcing their selected energy developers. Only a few months ago, Delaware publicized a contract for a similar project. While these are strong indicators that the economic downturn is not halting investment in green energy along the eastern seaboard, the return on each state’s investment remains to be seen.
MarketWatch previously explained, “Winergy Power, with various names and related companies, have proposed projects in New Jersey (Garden State Offshore) and in Rhode Island (Deepwater Wind).”
•New Jersey selected Garden State Offshore Energy – a public/private venture between PSEG Renewable Energy and the wind energy developer Deepwater Wind of Hoboken. The project calls for the construction of 96 wind turbines. Projected costs run around $1 billion with Garden State Offshore Energy eligible for up to $19 million in state grants.
•Rhode Island is now in final negotiations with Deepwater Wind, which will not be offered any state funding.
•Delmarva, a regulated utility in Delaware will be working with Bluewater Wind. The two companies have finalized a power purchasing agreement in which the costs associated with the alternative source will be shared by Delmarva’s Delaware customers.
Tori Okner
tori.okner@gmail.com
OffshoreWindFarms,Energy,GreenJobs
<p><img alt="wind%20farm.jpeg" src="http://www.triplepundit.com/wind%20farm.jpeg" width="103" height="120" class="right" />Despite the recent economic downturn, in the last two weeks both <a href="http://www.nj.com/newark/index.ssf/2008/10/jersey_wind_farm_plan_hailed_a.html">New Jersey</a> and <a href="http://www.sustainablebusiness.com/index.cfm/go/news.display/id/16826">Rhode Island</a> have chosen to move ahead with plans to construct offshore wind farms, announcing their selected energy developers. Only a few months ago, <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/06/25/tech/main4210845.shtml?source=RSSattr=SciTech_4210845">Delaware </a> publicized a contract for a similar project. While these are strong indicators that the economic downturn is not halting investment in green energy along the eastern seaboard, the return on each state’s investment remains to be seen.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/new-jersey-miss-green-collar/story.aspx?guid=%7B9620DEDB-3959-4DF7-8C7F-94D52C858BEA%7D&dist=hppr">MarketWatch</a> previously explained, “Winergy Power, with various names and related companies, have proposed projects in New Jersey (Garden State Offshore) and in Rhode Island (Deepwater Wind).” </p>
<p>•<strong><a href="http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/10/03/new-jersey-approves-offshore-wind-farm/">New Jersey</a></strong> selected <a href="http://www.gardenstatewind.com/">Garden State Offshore Energy</a> – a public/private venture between PSEG Renewable Energy and the wind energy developer Deepwater Wind of Hoboken. The project calls for the construction of 96 wind turbines. Projected costs run around $1 billion with Garden State Offshore Energy eligible for up to $19 million in state grants. <br />
•<strong><a href="http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/story?id=53708">Rhode Island</a></strong> is now in final negotiations with Deepwater Wind, which will not be offered any state funding. <br />
•<strong><a href="http://www.delmarva.com">Delmarva</a></strong>, a regulated utility in Delaware will be working with <a href="http://www.bluewaterwind.com/">Bluewater Wind</a>. The two companies have finalized a power purchasing agreement in which the costs associated with the alternative source will be shared by Delmarva’s Delaware customers. </p>
<p>Each state is pushing to be the first with an offshore wind farm; all trumpet the promise of green jobs. According to <a href="http://www.gardenstatewind.com">Garden State Offshore Energy</a>, “The foundations, turbines, and towers are planned to be assembled on land and will be transported to the wind farm site via large-scale barges. Assuming a suitable site can be found, turbine assembly and port facilities are expected to be located in New Jersey and create local green jobs.” At the same time, Governor Donald Carcieri of Rhode Island <a href="http://www.sustainablebusiness.com/index.cfm/go/news.display/id/16826">claims</a>, “Deepwater Wind will help bring new economic activity, jobs, and opportunity to Rhode Island." <a href="http://www.bluewaterwind.com/delaware.htm">Bluewater Wind</a> has pledged to make Delaware their hub for the mid-Atlantic. With businesses under the same parent company planning headquarters in different states, some justifiably question where the promised green industry will take root.</p>
<p>All three projects still face a number of hurdles before construction can begin including federal and local regulatory processes and permitting. Earlier plans for offshore wind farms in Texas and Massachusetts have progressed slowly, often mired in administrative battles, leaving each of these five states in a position to claim the nation’s first offshore wind farm. Yet, with over <a href="http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/front/la-fi-economy4-2008oct04,0,1408655.story">760,000 jobs lost </a>since the start of the year and widespread talk of an energy crisis, today’s economic hardships may ignite the political will necessary to move these projects forward.</p>
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The Plastic Bag: To Re-Use or Not to Re-Use
2008-10-08T23:47:46Z
2008-10-07T18:09:20Z
tag:www.triplepundit.com,2008://6.3583
2008-10-07T18:09:20Z
The Wall Street Journal ran a fascinating piece a couple of weeks ago on the emergence of the reusable bag as the go-to green choice of retailers nationwide – and the eco-disaster these bags represent.
A lot of leading retailers offer reusable bags – they’re the hip new green thing to be doing… and some municipalities (San Francisco) and retailers (Ikea) have taken the initiative to forbid the use of the ubiquitous "disposable" plastic bag.
But at what cost?
Most reusable bags are usually comprised of a percentage of reused content – meaning that most of those reusable bags are using mostly virgin material. And, because reusable bags are designed to be sturdier, they require more raw material and can require up to 28 times as much energy.
Furthermore, the severity of environmental impact of plastic bags has been disputed (while I personally disagree with this argue it is important to mention.) A recent Newsweek article quotes Rob Krebs from the American Chemistry Council, "Only 4 to 5 percent of all fossil fuels produce all the plastics annually consumed in the U.S. Now, 29 percent of those plastics are used in packaging. So if you follow the reasoning, 29 percent of 5 percent of all fossil fuels is about 1.5 percent. So plastic bags are a minuscule percent of our resources," a statistic that environmental groups do not refute.
Tom Szaky
http://triplepundit.com/tom-szaky
nick@triplepundit.com
Greenwashing
plasticbags,reusablebags,totebags,shoppingbags,landfills,waste,upcycling,eco-friendly
<p><img alt="chipsahoy_tote.jpg" src="http://www.triplepundit.com/chipsahoy_tote.jpg" width="250" height="275" class="left" /> The Wall Street Journal ran a <a href="http://wsj.com/article/SB122238422541876879.html">fascinating piece</a> a couple of weeks ago on the emergence of the reusable bag as the go-to green choice of retailers nationwide – and the eco-disaster these bags represent. <br />
<br />
A lot of leading retailers offer reusable bags – they’re the hip new green thing to be doing… and some municipalities (San Francisco) and retailers (Ikea) have taken the initiative to forbid the use of the ubiquitous "disposable" plastic bag. </p>
<p><strong>But at what cost?</strong> </p>
<p>Most reusable bags are usually comprised of a percentage of reused content – meaning that most of those reusable bags are using mostly virgin material. And, because reusable bags are designed to be sturdier, they require more raw material and can require up to 28 times as much energy. </p>
<p>Furthermore, the severity of environmental impact of plastic bags has been disputed (while I personally disagree with this argue it is important to mention.) A recent Newsweek article quotes Rob Krebs from the American Chemistry Council, "Only 4 to 5 percent of all fossil fuels produce all the plastics annually consumed in the U.S. Now, 29 percent of those plastics are used in packaging. So if you follow the reasoning, 29 percent of 5 percent of all fossil fuels is about 1.5 percent. So plastic bags are a minuscule percent of our resources," a statistic that environmental groups do not refute.</p>
<p><strong>Reusable doesn't imply green</strong></p>
<p>Now the simple argument against this logic is that 100 million plastics bags are used in America annually and a measly one percent of those bags are actually recycled. Plus I have seen various studies that indicate a consumer would need to use their reusable bags anywhere from 100-300 times (depending on the study) just to break environmentally even! Seeing both sides argument I set out to making reusable bags in an more responsible way. I feel that reusable bags are the future, but must be produced and used responsibly to have any affect.<br />
<br />
This is why garbage can be so great – because we use mostly materials that would’ve ended up in a dumpster (old plastic bags, juice pouches, and other packaging), the bags we create are often THE most eco-friendly option out there. And we do as little as possible to process them – so there is a minimum of energy used to create the final bag. No nasty shredding/melting/reforming process needed. It’s not that we’ve found THE answer – but we’ve found a process that is closer to an answer. <br />
<br />
Switching to reusable plastic bag is an excellent step – but as the article points out it can cause many more environmental issues. It just goes to show that we aren’t going to create fundamental change until we can effect a paradigm shift – a game-changing strategy - in the way we think about developing products… <br />
<br />
What are your thoughts on reusable bags and their environmental impact? What examples have you seen of game-changing strategies in the marketplace? What markets need these changes most?</p>
<p>--</p>
<p>Tom Szaky is CEO of TerraCycle, named by Inc. Magazine as the "Coolest Startup in America -- The ultimate growth company, built on garbage, run by a kid, loved by investors." Tom writes about his experiences as a social entrepreneur and visions for business and technology that leave the world better off on 3p.</p>
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ClimatePULSE: Top 5 Clean Technologies
2008-10-08T23:47:46Z
2008-10-07T13:53:43Z
tag:www.triplepundit.com,2008://6.3589
2008-10-07T13:53:43Z
This week in ClimatePULSE we take a look at some of the most promising clean technology solutions. And now that the enthusiasm regarding corn-ethanol has (rightfully) faded, what better time to do so? While this list is far from exhaustive, it should provide some insight into (hopefully) safe bets within the clean tech sector. We have chosen to profile 5 companies considered to have high potential. So, let’s get started…
Climate Check
http://www.Climate-CHECK.com
js@Climate-CHECK.com
ClimatePULSE
<p><img class="left" alt="deepstream-johanna-ward-wardourpublishing460.jpg" src="http://www.triplepundit.com/deepstream-johanna-ward-wardourpublishing460.jpg" width="250" height="150" />This week in ClimatePULSE we take a look at some of the most promising clean technology solutions. And now that the enthusiasm regarding corn-ethanol has (rightfully) faded, what better time to do so? While this list is far from exhaustive, it should provide some insight into (hopefully) safe bets within the clean tech sector. We have chosen to profile 5 companies considered to have high potential. So, let’s get started…</p>
<p>1) <a href="http://www.deepstream.com/">DeepStream Technologies </a>– Founded in 2003, based in Bangkor, UK and toting 52 employees, DeepStream has developed a technology “for a new era of energy management”. DeepStream’s embedded intelligence systems offer energy savings by monitoring and controlling energy at the point of use within all electric circuits. The 3D shaped circuit (view picture above) sensor technology can communicate wirelessly with energy management systems and add automated intelligence to all types of electrical equipment and infrastructure. Recently profiled in the <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/cleantechnology100">“Gaurdian/Library House CleanTech 100”</a> this technology even has the potential for energy saving uses in industrial plants.</p>
<p>2) <a href="http://www.ausra.com/">Ausra </a>– Founded in 2006 and based out of Palo Alto, California, this solar power clean tech firm packs a punch. Ausra’a ingenuity in the solar industry is based on their lack of a heat transfer fluid in the technology. Rather than using a heat transfer fluid like oil (that raises the costs of the tech), Ausra heats water by focusing sunlight into a series of pipes filled with water located above mirrors. The heat from the sunlight is transferred to the water to create steam, which, in turn, powers a turbine to produce electricity. According to David Mills, the founder of Ausra, the technology will be able to produce power at around 10 cents per kilowatt-hour (equivalent to the likes of natural gas and coal) sometime in the next two years. However, construction costs are steep and the technology would likely only be suitable in areas that receive extensive sunlight. </p>
<p>3) <a href="http://">Ormat Technologies</a> – This Reno, Nevada based geothermal energy giant has over four decades of experience. With geothermal having less downtime than both coal and nuclear power plants, the technology has caught the attention of investors worldwide. Ormat’s technology is currently used in more plants around the world than that of any other company. And now that Ormat is working in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy to test the first commercial enhanced geothermal deep-drilling technology, we can expect big (maybe even volcano-big) things to come in the future. </p>
<p>4) <a href="http://www.magenn.com/">Magenn Power</a> – Founded in 2004, this Ottawa, Canada based firm has come up with a unique solution to some of the problems faced by the wind-power sector. They propose to generate electricity from high altitude winds by tethering helium-filled Magenn Air Rotor Systems (MARS) hundreds of meters in the sky. Crazy right? Maybe it is, but also ingenious. Once in the sky the MARS rotor blades catch higher-altitude wind and generators on each side of the MARS convert that rotation into elecrtical energy.</p>
<p>5) <a href="http://www.marineturbines.com/">Marine Current Turbines</a> – Founded in 1989 and based in Bristol, UK, this small firm has developed a product that is capable of extracting the enormous amounts of energy found in tidal currents. The tidal turbines they design are much smaller than wind turbines, but just as efficient. The firm and its partners recently began the installation of “SeaGen”, the world’s first commercial scale tidal turbine in Northern Ireland’s Strangford Lough. </p>
<p><strong>About ClimateCHECK </strong><br />
<img class="right" alt="CC_logo_small.jpg" src="http://www.triplepundit.com/CC_logo_small.jpg" width="162" height="92" /><br />
ClimateCHECK is a greenhouse gas (GHG) management services and solutions company. The firm’s solutions support all facets of the carbon commodities market, including the verification, validation and consultation of GHG inventories and program portfolios, as well as quantification protocols for emissions reduction projects and clean technologies. ClimateCHECK is a sponsor and co-founded, with World Resources Institute and Carbon Disclosure Project, the Greenhouse Gas Management Institute (www.ghginstitute.org). Founded in March 2007, the company has locations throughout North America. For more information visit www.climate-check.com</p>
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What is a Conservation Entrepreneur?
2008-10-08T23:47:46Z
2008-10-07T10:00:00Z
tag:www.triplepundit.com,2008://6.3588
2008-10-07T10:00:00Z
The Wildlife Conservation Network describes a conservation entrepreneur as someone who demonstrates “the spirit of entrepreneurship in launching innovative projects to protect endangered species.” WCN identifies the qualities of a conservation entrepreneur as someone who dares to try new strategies to save endangered wildlife, creates new ways to save endangered wildlife, empowers local stakeholders, and maximizes the value of every dollar invested in conservation.
WCN Founder Charles Knowles said that the organization's core mission is to use the "Silicon Valley model" to fund people who work in wildlife conservation, and be their "eyes and ears in the U.S." According to Knowles, WCN set up their model so that 100 of a donor's money ends up in the hands of wildlife conservationists.
Gina-Marie Cheeseman
gmcheeseman@netscape.com
Social Entrepreneurship
conservation
<p><img alt="snow%20leopard.jpg" src="http://www.triplepundit.com/snow%20leopard.jpg" width="67" height="100" class="left"/></p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.wildnet.org/">Wildlife Conservation Network</a> describes a conservation entrepreneur as someone who demonstrates “the spirit of entrepreneurship in launching innovative projects to protect endangered species.” WCN identifies the qualities of a conservation entrepreneur as someone who dares to try new strategies to save endangered wildlife, creates new ways to save endangered wildlife, empowers local stakeholders, and maximizes the value of every dollar invested in conservation. </p>
<p>WCN Founder Charles Knowles said that the organization's core mission is to use the "Silicon Valley model" to fund people who work in wildlife conservation, and be their "eyes and ears in the U.S." According to Knowles, WCN set up their model so that 100 of a donor's money ends up in the hands of wildlife conservationists. </p>
<p>"It's a fantastic organization and I recommend it very highly," Jane Goodall said of WCN.</p>
<p><strong>Solar projects</strong></p>
<p>While attending the 2003 WCN Expo, Stephen Gold heard cheetah conservationist Rebecca Klein’s presentation about her need for energy to conduct research in Botswana. Since Gold powered his own home by solar energy, he contacted WCN’s director Charles Knowles and volunteered to help. </p>
<p>Gold identified six conservationists in need of power and spent three years acquiring donations. The list of donors includes British Petroleum, who donated all of the solar modules. </p>
<p>“We have designed ‘off-grid’ power systems for many years, but we have never been asked to do this for conservationists on another continent,” said Bruce Roush, Vice President of technical services for Solar Depot, the company who donated assembly parts, plus provided technical design and support.</p>
<p>“It is wonderful that solar electricity is so effective and reliable that it can change the lives of dedicated conservationists, even in the African bush! We were very happy to help WCN with this important project,” said Roush.</p>
<p>Solar power recipient Dr. Laurence Frank of Living with Lions in Kenya said, “It works – the project is lit up, the satellite-internet system is working, and I don’t hear a generator! I am thrilled!”</p>
<p><strong>Cost effectiveness of conservation entrepreneurism</strong></p>
<p>Georgia State University economics professor Paul J. Ferraro and R. David Simpson, environmental policy professor at John Hopkins University wrote several reports on the cost effectiveness of what they termed a direct approach to wildlife conservation, or paying for it directly. “In this approach, domestic and international actors make payments to individuals or groups that protect ecosystems,” their <a href="http://www2.gsu.edu/~wwwcec/docs/EDE2005forweb.pdf">report</a> <em>Cost-effective Conservation: When Eco-entrepreneurs Have Market Power</em> states. </p>
<p>In the report, Ferraro and Simpson deem the direct approach to be “a more cost-effective means of motivating local actors to conserve habitat than the more popular indirect subsidy approach.”</p>
<p>In another <a href="http://www.rff.org/documents/RFF-DP-00-31.pdf">report</a> titled <em>The Cost Effectiveness of Conservation Payments</em>, Ferraro and Simpson argue that is “more cost-effective to pay for conservation performance directly.” They list three reasons:</p>
<p>• First, the overall cost of conservation is least when direct payments are employed. <br />
• Second, the donor will generally find direct payments more cost-effective.<br />
• Third, the preferences of donors and eco-entrepreneurs are opposed: when the donor prefers direct payments, the eco-entrepreneur prefers indirect subsidies.</p>
<p>Conservation entrepreneurism could not occur at a better time. Ferraro and Simpson highlight the need for wildlife conservation in their <a href="http://www.rff.org/RFF/Documents/RFF-Resources-143-costeffect.pdf" ">report </a><em>Cost-Effective Conservation: A Review of What Works to Preserve Biodiversity</em>. They cite the predictions of natural scientists that a third or more of the world’s species could become extinct in the 21st century. “Such losses are encountered in the geological record only at times of astronomical cataclysm.”</p>
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